Rhetorical Tactic Accused in Divisive 'Pro-Hamas Antisemites' Commentary

A recent social media post by Rhyen Staley has ignited discussion by directly accusing certain groups, identified as "Pro-Hamas antisemites," of employing a specific rhetorical maneuver known as the "Motte and Bailey fallacy." Staley’s tweet, dated August 22, 2025, asserts that the defense of merely "provoking a conversation" is no longer a viable shield for controversial views.

"Retreating to the Motte doesn’t work anymore. You know what other group keeps claiming they are just trying to “provoke a conversation?” Pro-Hamas antisemites," Staley stated in the tweet.

The "Motte and Bailey fallacy" is an informal logical fallacy where an arguer conflates two positions: a "motte," which is a modest and easily defensible claim, and a "bailey," a more controversial and harder-to-defend position. When challenged on the controversial "bailey," the arguer retreats to the undeniable "motte," implying that the original, contentious point has also been defended. This tactic is often used to evade direct criticism while maintaining a controversial stance.

Staley's critique extends to the common defense of "provoking a conversation," suggesting it is frequently used to introduce and normalize ideas that would otherwise be rejected. Critics of this defense argue that it can be a smokescreen for promoting divisive or harmful ideologies under the guise of open dialogue, sidestepping accountability for the content of the provocation.

The specific targeting of "Pro-Hamas antisemites" in Staley's commentary highlights the intense and often fraught public discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and accusations of antisemitism within related activism. Public figures and organizations frequently debate the line between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and expressions deemed antisemitic, with rhetorical strategies playing a significant role in these discussions. Staley's tweet implies a deliberate intellectual dishonesty in these exchanges.